Jesus Outside The Lines
The book, Jesus Outside The Lines, is a timely read. If the past 3 months of 2020 haven’t been a hoot, I can hardly wait for November, said NO ONE EVER.
The subtitle of this book grabbed my attention, it says this book will offer “a way forward for those who are tired of taking sides”. (SIGN ME UP)
Jesus modeled and still mobilizes his people toward a “third way”of living and being. A third way that refuses to succumb to the “against-ness” narrative that gets clicks, sells adds and continues to affirm what we’ve always believed. A strategy used on both sides. One side does all they can to prove that it’s never been worse, the other, that it couldn’t be any better. Words and slogans are created to prove their narrative, the result, we move further and further apart. This “against-ness” narrative is a massive problem in our world…one as followers of Jesus we have to combat and lead through with great precision and patience.
Sauls writes:
“are you tired of racism, classism, sexism, generationalism, nationalism, denominationalism, doctrinalism and all the other isms that stem from the ism that feeds them all: elitism?”
The third way of Jesus is a “way” we encounter as we “seek first the kingdom of God”. This way of living and being however, can be more criticized and lonely. You often get shot at from both sides. As you know, it’s much more comfortable to spend all your time with those who love what you love and hate what you hate. It’s way easier to lead a homogeneous community, who are all the same age, who all vote the same, love the same songs and see the world through the same lens. It would be so much easier if everyone was Cubs fans but I digress.
Homogeneity would be easier but is it better?
I know. That quote convicts me every time. Read it again.
I’m continually amazed at how Jesus did it and how he wants to do it, yet again. Jesus knew what I’m starting to know…homogeneity is easy but differentness is dynamic. In the moments when you are tempted to judge and critique those who are different, I want you to ask this question:
How can these differences become a divine gift of formation, instead of a divisive tool of frustration?
What if our homogeneity was not what we looked like but in whom we looked to? I want to be part of a church that puts down their rocks of judgement and instead pulls up chairs of curiosity.
I recently saw this posted on Twitter and found it both hilarious and SUPER helpful:
I have zero data to back this up, but I think the quality of our conversations regarding polarizing issues would improve by 38% if we simply asked, When you say _________ what do you mean?
Again, I want to be part of a church that puts down their rocks of judgement and instead pulls up chairs of curiosity because when we do, perhaps the ONLY EXPLANATION for our oneness will be Christian LOVE.
A love freely given by Christ, a love frequently given by us.